We have entered the rainy season here in Sarasota and across the Southeast region. Local residents know that we can expect storms daily, as well as heavy rains due to direct or indirect brushes with hurricanes and tropical storms.

If you see any drips, water spots or staining that you suspect are caused by water leaks, here is a list of common causes of leaking which you can utilize to find and fix the problem.

Do not delay in calling a licensed professional to seal up and repair any leaks before the next major storm.

Roof Vents: Any venting on your roof needs to be sealed properly or leaks are likely to occur. Gaskets around vent pipes should be inspected for gaps or cracking, as well as any deterioration which may have occurred due to harsh sunlight or severe storms.

A Buildup of Debris: Leaves, pine needles, or additional organic debris can trap water against your roof and block runoff. This may cause pooled water to seep in. Trimming overhanging tree branches will make it easier to keep your roof free of debris.

Missing or Damaged Shingles: You may not be able to see all areas of your roof, but if shingles or tiles have been removed due to severe weather, water can intrude. Call a professional to inspect the integrity of your roof, especially if your home has sustained damage due to any past storms.

Unsealed Holes: If an antenna or satellite dish was taken off your roof, a hole may remain in the structure, causing leaking. These must be sealed.

Blocked Gutters: Gutters which have become clogged with leaves can impede water flow off the roof, giving the standing water the opportunity to soak through your roofing materials. Clearing out gutters and installing gutter covers will help to keep water moving.

Roof Pitch: Wind can lift shingles and drive rain underneath, especially if the roof slope is incorrect for the type of roofing material. While building codes provide guidelines as to correct roof pitch and associated materials to be used, you may wish to double check that your roof was constructed correctly.

At the Flashing Point: Aluminum or galvanized steel flashing is installed over joints in roof and wall construction to prevent water from seeping in and causing damage. Flashing should be checked for integrity.

Ridge Caps: Ridge-cap shingles cover the peak of the roof, where the two angles meet. Ridge-cap shingles are bent over the roof, thus may deteriorate at a more rapid pace than the rest of the roof.

Ineffective Drainage Points: Upper roofs draining onto lower roofs (not to the ground via drain spouts) or pooling areas on flat roofs may cause excess moisture and leaking. Once you locate the leak, you’ll need to fix the situation so as to not have a reoccurrence.

Roof Age: As you might expect, older roofs may have more vulnerabilities and opportunities for leakage. We recommend roofing inspections every one to two years on an aging roof to be sure that it is sound.

In all of these situations, it is recommended that you bring in a Sarasota roofing contractor to inspect your roof and make recommendations.

Water damage may sometimes be difficult to pinpoint but will cause drastic damage if not stopped.

The professionals at Avery Roof Services are experts are determining your exact problem and recommending the best solutions. Don’t face another rainy season without fixing that leak!